The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the meat, poultry, and egg products import regulations to provide for the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) Import Component. The PHIS Import Component, launched on May 29, 2012, provides an electronic alternative to the paper-based import inspection application and the foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The Agency is also removing from the regulations the discontinued “streamlined” import inspection procedures for Canadian product and is requiring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at official import inspection establishments. In addition to the regulatory amendments outlined above, FSIS is discontinuing its practice of conducting imported product reinspection based on a foreign government's guarantee to replace a lost or incorrect foreign inspection certificate and is clarifying its policy of addressing imported product that is not presented for reinspection.

79 FR 56220 - Electronic Import Inspection Application and Certification of Imported Products and Foreign Establishments; Amendments To Facilitate the Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Other Changes to Import Inspection Regulations

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the meat, poultry, and egg products import regulations to provide for the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) Import Component. The PHIS Import Component, launched on May 29, 2012, provides an electronic alternative to the paper-based import inspection application and the foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The Agency is also removing from the regulations the discontinued “streamlined” import inspection procedures for Canadian product and is requiring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at official import inspection establishments. In addition to the regulatory amendments outlined above, FSIS is discontinuing its practice of conducting imported product reinspection based on a foreign government's guarantee to replace a lost or incorrect foreign inspection certificate and is clarifying its policy of addressing imported product that is not presented for reinspection.

79 FR 56220 - Electronic Import Inspection Application and Certification of Imported Products and Foreign Establishments; Amendments To Facilitate the Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Other Changes to Import Inspection Regulations

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the meat, poultry, and egg products import regulations to provide for the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) Import Component. The PHIS Import Component, launched on May 29, 2012, provides an electronic alternative to the paper-based import inspection application and the foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The Agency is also removing from the regulations the discontinued “streamlined” import inspection procedures for Canadian product and is requiring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at official import inspection establishments. In addition to the regulatory amendments outlined above, FSIS is discontinuing its practice of conducting imported product reinspection based on a foreign government's guarantee to replace a lost or incorrect foreign inspection certificate and is clarifying its policy of addressing imported product that is not presented for reinspection.

79 FR 56220 - Electronic Import Inspection Application and Certification of Imported Products and Foreign Establishments; Amendments To Facilitate the Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Other Changes to Import Inspection Regulations

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the meat, poultry, and egg products import regulations to provide for the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) Import Component. The PHIS Import Component, launched on May 29, 2012, provides an electronic alternative to the paper-based import inspection application and the foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The Agency is also removing from the regulations the discontinued “streamlined” import inspection procedures for Canadian product and is requiring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at official import inspection establishments. In addition to the regulatory amendments outlined above, FSIS is discontinuing its practice of conducting imported product reinspection based on a foreign government's guarantee to replace a lost or incorrect foreign inspection certificate and is clarifying its policy of addressing imported product that is not presented for reinspection.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending its regulations to change the fees it charges for the accreditation and the maintenance of accreditation of non-Federal laboratories for the FSIS Accredited Lab Program (ALP). The fees in this final rule will be applied on the effective date.

We are amending the veterinary biological product regulations by defining the terms used for reporting the results of tests performed on veterinary biological products. Licensees and permittees of veterinary biological products must conduct these tests and report the results to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service so that the Agency can determine if the products are eligible for release. Defining these terms will clarify the circumstances under which the results of a prescribed test can be reported as satisfactory, unsatisfactory, inconclusive, or a No Test. We are also removing several obsolete testing standard requirements from the regulations. These changes will update our regulations and improve communication between regulators and product licensees and permittees with respect to reporting test results.

We are amending the veterinary biological product regulations by defining the terms used for reporting the results of tests performed on veterinary biological products. Licensees and permittees of veterinary biological products must conduct these tests and report the results to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service so that the Agency can determine if the products are eligible for release. Defining these terms will clarify the circumstances under which the results of a prescribed test can be reported as satisfactory, unsatisfactory, inconclusive, or a No Test. We are also removing several obsolete testing standard requirements from the regulations. These changes will update our regulations and improve communication between regulators and product licensees and permittees with respect to reporting test results.

Effective Date: October 20, 2014. Notification Date: All young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments will initially have until February 23, 2015, to notify their District Office in writing of their intent to operate under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). Establishments that do not notify their District Office of their intent by February 23, 2015, will be deemed to have chosen the inspection system that they are currently operating under. Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments that decide that they would like to convert to NPIS after the initial notification date may notify FSIS of their intent at any time after that date. The Agency will implement the NPIS in the additional establishments that intend to convert on a schedule consistent with Agency resources and readiness. The Agency intends to implement the NPIS in all young chicken and turkey establishments that choose to operate under the NPIS, regardless of when the establishment notifies FSIS of its intent to transition to the NPIS. However, the initial implementation wave will only include those establishments that submitted their notifications within the initial notification period. After October 20, 2014, FSIS will begin selecting from those establishments that have notified FSIS of their intent to switch to the NPIS. The Agency will use a computerized ranking system to determine the schedule of establishments for implementation of the NPIS. This ranking system will take into consideration several factors, such as FSIS staffing needs, past performance of the establishment, the location of the establishment with respect to other federally-inspected establishments, and establishment readiness to transition to the NPIS. FSIS will implement the NPIS in phases by clusters of establishments in close geographic proximity to one another. The initial implementation wave will only include those establishments that notified FSIS of their intent to switch to the NPIS during the initial six-month notification period. FSIS expects that in subsequent years many more establishments will choose to transition to the new system. The Agency's implementation strategy for the NPIS is described in more detail in the preamble to this final rule. Applicability Dates: The regulations that prescribe procedures for controlling visible fecal contamination in 9 CFR 381.65(f), the regulations that prescribe procedures for controlling contamination throughout the slaughter and dressing process in 9 CFR 381.65(g), and the regulations that prescribe recordkeeping requirements in 9 CFR 381.65(h) will be applicable as follows: • In large establishments, defined as all establishments with 500 or more employees, on November 19, 2014; • In small establishments, defined as all establishments with 10 or more employees but fewer than 500, on December 19, 2014; • In very small establishments, defined as all establishments with fewer than 10 employees or annual sales of less than $2.5 million February 17, 2015.

9 CFR Parts 381 and 500

Summary

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the poultry products inspection regulations to establish a new inspection system for young chicken and all turkey slaughter establishments. Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments that do not choose to operate under the new poultry inspection system may continue to operate under their current inspection system. The Agency is also making several changes to the regulations that will affect all establishments that slaughter poultry other than ratites. This final rule is a result of the Agency's 2011 regulatory review efforts conducted under Executive Order 13563 on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.

Effective Date: October 20, 2014. Notification Date: All young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments will initially have until February 23, 2015, to notify their District Office in writing of their intent to operate under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). Establishments that do not notify their District Office of their intent by February 23, 2015, will be deemed to have chosen the inspection system that they are currently operating under. Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments that decide that they would like to convert to NPIS after the initial notification date may notify FSIS of their intent at any time after that date. The Agency will implement the NPIS in the additional establishments that intend to convert on a schedule consistent with Agency resources and readiness. The Agency intends to implement the NPIS in all young chicken and turkey establishments that choose to operate under the NPIS, regardless of when the establishment notifies FSIS of its intent to transition to the NPIS. However, the initial implementation wave will only include those establishments that submitted their notifications within the initial notification period. After October 20, 2014, FSIS will begin selecting from those establishments that have notified FSIS of their intent to switch to the NPIS. The Agency will use a computerized ranking system to determine the schedule of establishments for implementation of the NPIS. This ranking system will take into consideration several factors, such as FSIS staffing needs, past performance of the establishment, the location of the establishment with respect to other federally-inspected establishments, and establishment readiness to transition to the NPIS. FSIS will implement the NPIS in phases by clusters of establishments in close geographic proximity to one another. The initial implementation wave will only include those establishments that notified FSIS of their intent to switch to the NPIS during the initial six-month notification period. FSIS expects that in subsequent years many more establishments will choose to transition to the new system. The Agency's implementation strategy for the NPIS is described in more detail in the preamble to this final rule. Applicability Dates: The regulations that prescribe procedures for controlling visible fecal contamination in 9 CFR 381.65(f), the regulations that prescribe procedures for controlling contamination throughout the slaughter and dressing process in 9 CFR 381.65(g), and the regulations that prescribe recordkeeping requirements in 9 CFR 381.65(h) will be applicable as follows: • In large establishments, defined as all establishments with 500 or more employees, on November 19, 2014; • In small establishments, defined as all establishments with 10 or more employees but fewer than 500, on December 19, 2014; • In very small establishments, defined as all establishments with fewer than 10 employees or annual sales of less than $2.5 million February 17, 2015.

9 CFR Parts 381 and 500

Summary

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the poultry products inspection regulations to establish a new inspection system for young chicken and all turkey slaughter establishments. Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments that do not choose to operate under the new poultry inspection system may continue to operate under their current inspection system. The Agency is also making several changes to the regulations that will affect all establishments that slaughter poultry other than ratites. This final rule is a result of the Agency's 2011 regulatory review efforts conducted under Executive Order 13563 on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.

We are amending the regulations to implement an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 added a new section to the AWA to restrict the importation of certain live dogs. Consistent with this amendment, this rule prohibits the importation of dogs, with limited exceptions, from any part of the world into the continental United States or Hawaii for purposes of resale, research, or veterinary treatment, unless the dogs are in good health, have received all necessary vaccinations, and are at least 6 months of age. This action is necessary to implement the amendment to the AWA and will help to ensure the welfare of imported dogs.

This interim rule is effective July 29, 2014. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before September 29, 2014.

9 CFR Part 77

Summary

We are amending the regulations regarding official tuberculosis tests for captive cervids to remove the CervidTB Stat-Pak® as an official bovine tuberculosis test for the following species of captive cervids: Elk, red deer, white-tailed deer, fallow deer, and reindeer. We are also amending the regulations to specify that the Dual Path Platform (DPP)® test, which was previously a supplemental test to be used in conjunction with the CervidTB Stat-Pak®, is now considered a primary test, as well. We are taking this action because the CervidTB Stat-Pak® is no longer being produced, and because we have determined that the DPP® test can reliably be used as a primary test for bovine tuberculosis in certain species of captive cervids. This action is necessary on an immediate basis so that the regulations do not continue to authorize usage of a discontinued test, yet still provide regulated entities with options in order to meet the testing requirements for captive cervids within the regulations.

We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we will require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures will be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we are making available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are establishing new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We are also providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes will streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we will require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures will be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we are making available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are establishing new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We are also providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes will streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we will require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures will be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we are making available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are establishing new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We are also providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes will streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we will require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures will be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we are making available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are establishing new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We are also providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes will streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

This correction is effective June 30, 2014. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 30, 2014.

9 CFR Part 201

Summary

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration is correcting a direct final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on April 29, 2014 (FR Doc. 2014-9655). The direct final rule required all scales used to weigh livestock, livestock carcasses, live poultry, or feed meet requirements contained in section 5.59, Electronic Livestock, Meat, and Poultry Evaluation Systems and/or Devices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Specifications, Tolerances, and other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices (NIST Handbook 44) 2013 edition. The NIST Handbook 44 includes additional requirements for scales used to weigh live animals, livestock and poultry carcasses, which should not have been excluded by this rule. The direct final rule should have incorporated, by reference, all of the General Code, Scales Code, and Weight Code from the 2013 edition of the NIST Handbook 44. Additionally, the direct final rule must reflect the change to the heading of § 201.71, as a result of NIST Handbook 44 requirements for electronic devices and systems and the correct email address for the National Conference for Weights and Measures.

On June 29, 2014, FSIS will discontinue Salmonella sampling set procedures (“HC01”) in ground beef products, except in establishments with results that exceeded the standard for Salmonella in that establishment's most recently completed set ( i.e., in those establishments in Category 3). At the same time, FSIS will begin analyzing for Salmonella all raw beef samples it collects for STEC analysis and will increase the raw ground beef sample portion for Salmonella analysis from 25 grams to 325 grams.

9 CFR Part 310

Summary

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responding to comments on an August 28, 2013, Federal Register document, “Changes to Salmonella Verification Sampling Program: Analysis of Raw Beef for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella” and announcing its plans to begin analyzing for Salmonella all beef product it analyzes for Shiga toxin- producing Escherichia coli (STEC). After reviewing the comments received on the August 2013 document, FSIS is affirming the plans for addressing Salmonella in raw beef products that it announced in that document and will proceed with implementing those plans.

We are amending the “In vitro tests for serial release” regulations by removing a footnote that refers to one method to calculate the relative antigen content of inactivated veterinary biological products and relative potency calculation software available from Veterinary Services' Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB). CVB will no longer provide or update the software and the written method for using the software will no longer be used. This action will update the regulations.

In a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on October 5, 2012, we amended and republished the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products; reorganized the list of select agents and toxins based on the relative potential of each select agent or toxin to be misused to adversely affect human, plant, or animal health; and amended the regulations in order to add definitions and clarify language concerning security, training, biosafety, biocontainment, and incident response. In that final rule we neglected to precisely align all of our regulatory language with that used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their regulations and, in some cases, did not align our language in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations concerning plant health and plant products with that concerning animal health and animal products. As APHIS co-administers the select agent regulations with CDC, this document corrects inconsistencies in language between APHIS and CDC regulations. We are also correcting an improper term used in those sections of the regulations associated with identification of a viral strain or subspecies that is excluded from the requirements of the regulations, modifying the terms used when a select toxin is excluded from the regulations, clarifying those parts of the regulations that deal with temporary exemptions granted during periods of agricultural or public health emergencies, and adding language to specify that individuals not approved for access to registered space for activities not related to select agents or toxins (e.g., routine cleaning, maintenance, and repairs) would not have to be continuously escorted by an approved individual so long as those non-approved persons would not be able to gain access to select agents or toxins.

Effective on April 29, 2014, we are adopting as a final rule the interim final rule published at 77 FR 35542-35571 on June 13, 2012. The amendments in this final rule are also effective April 29, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 55 and 81

Summary

We are adopting as a final rule, with two miscellaneous changes, an interim final rule that established a herd certification program to control chronic wasting disease (CWD) in farmed or captive cervids in the United States. The interim final rule specifically requested comment on our policy that our CWD regulations set minimum requirements for the interstate movement of farmed or captive deer, elk, and moose but will not preempt State or local laws or regulations that are more restrictive than our regulations. This document responds to comments we received on that policy. The interim final rule was necessary to help to control the incidence of CWD in farmed or captive cervid herds and prevent its spread.

Effective on April 29, 2014, we are adopting as a final rule the interim final rule published at 77 FR 35542-35571 on June 13, 2012. The amendments in this final rule are also effective April 29, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 55 and 81

Summary

We are adopting as a final rule, with two miscellaneous changes, an interim final rule that established a herd certification program to control chronic wasting disease (CWD) in farmed or captive cervids in the United States. The interim final rule specifically requested comment on our policy that our CWD regulations set minimum requirements for the interstate movement of farmed or captive deer, elk, and moose but will not preempt State or local laws or regulations that are more restrictive than our regulations. This document responds to comments we received on that policy. The interim final rule was necessary to help to control the incidence of CWD in farmed or captive cervid herds and prevent its spread.

This rule is effective June 30, 2014. The incorporation by reference of certain publications in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 30, 2014. Comments are due May 29, 2014. If adverse comments are received, GIPSA will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal Register .

9 CFR Part 201

Summary

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Packers and Stockyards Program (PSP) is incorporating by reference “2013 edition of the NIST Handbook 44” and to require that the scales used by stockyard owner, market agencies, dealers, packers, and live poultry dealers to weigh livestock, livestock carcasses, live poultry, or feed for the purpose of purchase, sales acquisitions, payment, or settlement meet applicable requirements of the 2013 edition of the NIST Handbook 44.

2014-03-26; vol. 79 # 58 - Wednesday, March 26, 2014

79 FR 16656 - Eligibility of the Republic of Korea To Export Poultry Products to the United States

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Federal poultry products inspection regulations to add the Republic of Korea (Korea) to the list of countries eligible to export poultry products to the United States. FSIS has reviewed Korea's poultry laws, regulations, and inspection system, as implemented, and has determined that they are equivalent to the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), the regulations implementing this statute, and the U.S. food safety system for poultry. Under this final rule, slaughtered poultry or parts or other products thereof processed in certified Korean establishments will be eligible for export to the United States. All such products will be subject to re-inspection at United States ports of entry by FSIS inspectors.

2014-02-10; vol. 79 # 27 - Monday, February 10, 2014

79 FR 7567 - Importation of Live Birds and Poultry, Poultry Meat, and Poultry Products From a Region in the European Union; Technical Amendment

In a final rule published in the Federal Register on March 29, 2013, and effective on April 15, 2013, we amended the regulations governing the importation of animals and animal products by recognizing 25 Member States of the European Union (EU) as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)-defined EU Poultry Trade Region. In that rule, we established requirements for the importation of live birds and poultry, and poultry meat and products, from the APHIS-defined EU Poultry Trade Region. In the final rule, it was not our intent to prohibit the importation of birds, poultry, and poultry meat and products from Member States of the APHIS-defined EU Poultry Trade Region that conduct trade in poultry and poultry products with other regions that APHIS recognizes as being free of Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza. It was also not our intent that the import requirements for cooked poultry meat and products from the APHIS-defined EU Poultry Trade Region not be equivalent with the requirements we apply to other regions whenever an outbreak of Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza occurs in those regions. This document amends the regulations to reflect our original intentions.

In a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on June 7, 2012, and effective on July 9, 2012, we amended the horse protection regulations to require horse industry organizations or associations that license Designated Qualified Persons to assess and enforce minimum penalties for violations of the Horse Protection Act. One of the minimum penalties was for violations related to shoeing the horse, but we neglected to include a citation to one of the shoeing violations for which the penalty should be assessed. This document corrects that error.

Title 9 published on 2014-01-01

The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to Title 9after this date.

2014-09-19; vol. 79 # 182 - Friday, September 19, 2014

79 FR 56220 - Electronic Import Inspection Application and Certification of Imported Products and Foreign Establishments; Amendments To Facilitate the Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Other Changes to Import Inspection Regulations

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the meat, poultry, and egg products import regulations to provide for the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) Import Component. The PHIS Import Component, launched on May 29, 2012, provides an electronic alternative to the paper-based import inspection application and the foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The Agency is also removing from the regulations the discontinued “streamlined” import inspection procedures for Canadian product and is requiring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at official import inspection establishments. In addition to the regulatory amendments outlined above, FSIS is discontinuing its practice of conducting imported product reinspection based on a foreign government's guarantee to replace a lost or incorrect foreign inspection certificate and is clarifying its policy of addressing imported product that is not presented for reinspection.

79 FR 56220 - Electronic Import Inspection Application and Certification of Imported Products and Foreign Establishments; Amendments To Facilitate the Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Other Changes to Import Inspection Regulations

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the meat, poultry, and egg products import regulations to provide for the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) Import Component. The PHIS Import Component, launched on May 29, 2012, provides an electronic alternative to the paper-based import inspection application and the foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The Agency is also removing from the regulations the discontinued “streamlined” import inspection procedures for Canadian product and is requiring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at official import inspection establishments. In addition to the regulatory amendments outlined above, FSIS is discontinuing its practice of conducting imported product reinspection based on a foreign government's guarantee to replace a lost or incorrect foreign inspection certificate and is clarifying its policy of addressing imported product that is not presented for reinspection.

79 FR 56220 - Electronic Import Inspection Application and Certification of Imported Products and Foreign Establishments; Amendments To Facilitate the Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Other Changes to Import Inspection Regulations

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the meat, poultry, and egg products import regulations to provide for the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) Import Component. The PHIS Import Component, launched on May 29, 2012, provides an electronic alternative to the paper-based import inspection application and the foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The Agency is also removing from the regulations the discontinued “streamlined” import inspection procedures for Canadian product and is requiring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at official import inspection establishments. In addition to the regulatory amendments outlined above, FSIS is discontinuing its practice of conducting imported product reinspection based on a foreign government's guarantee to replace a lost or incorrect foreign inspection certificate and is clarifying its policy of addressing imported product that is not presented for reinspection.

79 FR 56220 - Electronic Import Inspection Application and Certification of Imported Products and Foreign Establishments; Amendments To Facilitate the Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Other Changes to Import Inspection Regulations

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the meat, poultry, and egg products import regulations to provide for the Agency's Public Health Information System (PHIS) Import Component. The PHIS Import Component, launched on May 29, 2012, provides an electronic alternative to the paper-based import inspection application and the foreign inspection and foreign establishment certificate processes. The Agency is also removing from the regulations the discontinued “streamlined” import inspection procedures for Canadian product and is requiring Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at official import inspection establishments. In addition to the regulatory amendments outlined above, FSIS is discontinuing its practice of conducting imported product reinspection based on a foreign government's guarantee to replace a lost or incorrect foreign inspection certificate and is clarifying its policy of addressing imported product that is not presented for reinspection.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending its regulations to change the fees it charges for the accreditation and the maintenance of accreditation of non-Federal laboratories for the FSIS Accredited Lab Program (ALP). The fees in this final rule will be applied on the effective date.

We are amending the veterinary biological product regulations by defining the terms used for reporting the results of tests performed on veterinary biological products. Licensees and permittees of veterinary biological products must conduct these tests and report the results to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service so that the Agency can determine if the products are eligible for release. Defining these terms will clarify the circumstances under which the results of a prescribed test can be reported as satisfactory, unsatisfactory, inconclusive, or a No Test. We are also removing several obsolete testing standard requirements from the regulations. These changes will update our regulations and improve communication between regulators and product licensees and permittees with respect to reporting test results.

We are amending the veterinary biological product regulations by defining the terms used for reporting the results of tests performed on veterinary biological products. Licensees and permittees of veterinary biological products must conduct these tests and report the results to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service so that the Agency can determine if the products are eligible for release. Defining these terms will clarify the circumstances under which the results of a prescribed test can be reported as satisfactory, unsatisfactory, inconclusive, or a No Test. We are also removing several obsolete testing standard requirements from the regulations. These changes will update our regulations and improve communication between regulators and product licensees and permittees with respect to reporting test results.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before October 28, 2014.

9 CFR Part 94

Summary

We are proposing to amend the regulations governing the importation of certain animals, meat, and other animal products to allow, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from a region in Argentina located north of Patagonia South and Patagonia North B, referred to as Northern Argentina. Based on the evidence in a recent risk assessment, we believe that fresh (chilled or frozen) beef can be safely imported from Northern Argentina provided certain conditions are met. This proposal would provide for the importation of beef from Northern Argentina into the United States while continuing to protect the United States against the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease.

Effective Date: October 20, 2014. Notification Date: All young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments will initially have until February 23, 2015, to notify their District Office in writing of their intent to operate under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). Establishments that do not notify their District Office of their intent by February 23, 2015, will be deemed to have chosen the inspection system that they are currently operating under. Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments that decide that they would like to convert to NPIS after the initial notification date may notify FSIS of their intent at any time after that date. The Agency will implement the NPIS in the additional establishments that intend to convert on a schedule consistent with Agency resources and readiness. The Agency intends to implement the NPIS in all young chicken and turkey establishments that choose to operate under the NPIS, regardless of when the establishment notifies FSIS of its intent to transition to the NPIS. However, the initial implementation wave will only include those establishments that submitted their notifications within the initial notification period. After October 20, 2014, FSIS will begin selecting from those establishments that have notified FSIS of their intent to switch to the NPIS. The Agency will use a computerized ranking system to determine the schedule of establishments for implementation of the NPIS. This ranking system will take into consideration several factors, such as FSIS staffing needs, past performance of the establishment, the location of the establishment with respect to other federally-inspected establishments, and establishment readiness to transition to the NPIS. FSIS will implement the NPIS in phases by clusters of establishments in close geographic proximity to one another. The initial implementation wave will only include those establishments that notified FSIS of their intent to switch to the NPIS during the initial six-month notification period. FSIS expects that in subsequent years many more establishments will choose to transition to the new system. The Agency's implementation strategy for the NPIS is described in more detail in the preamble to this final rule. Applicability Dates: The regulations that prescribe procedures for controlling visible fecal contamination in 9 CFR 381.65(f), the regulations that prescribe procedures for controlling contamination throughout the slaughter and dressing process in 9 CFR 381.65(g), and the regulations that prescribe recordkeeping requirements in 9 CFR 381.65(h) will be applicable as follows: • In large establishments, defined as all establishments with 500 or more employees, on November 19, 2014; • In small establishments, defined as all establishments with 10 or more employees but fewer than 500, on December 19, 2014; • In very small establishments, defined as all establishments with fewer than 10 employees or annual sales of less than $2.5 million February 17, 2015.

9 CFR Parts 381 and 500

Summary

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the poultry products inspection regulations to establish a new inspection system for young chicken and all turkey slaughter establishments. Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments that do not choose to operate under the new poultry inspection system may continue to operate under their current inspection system. The Agency is also making several changes to the regulations that will affect all establishments that slaughter poultry other than ratites. This final rule is a result of the Agency's 2011 regulatory review efforts conducted under Executive Order 13563 on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.

Effective Date: October 20, 2014. Notification Date: All young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments will initially have until February 23, 2015, to notify their District Office in writing of their intent to operate under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). Establishments that do not notify their District Office of their intent by February 23, 2015, will be deemed to have chosen the inspection system that they are currently operating under. Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments that decide that they would like to convert to NPIS after the initial notification date may notify FSIS of their intent at any time after that date. The Agency will implement the NPIS in the additional establishments that intend to convert on a schedule consistent with Agency resources and readiness. The Agency intends to implement the NPIS in all young chicken and turkey establishments that choose to operate under the NPIS, regardless of when the establishment notifies FSIS of its intent to transition to the NPIS. However, the initial implementation wave will only include those establishments that submitted their notifications within the initial notification period. After October 20, 2014, FSIS will begin selecting from those establishments that have notified FSIS of their intent to switch to the NPIS. The Agency will use a computerized ranking system to determine the schedule of establishments for implementation of the NPIS. This ranking system will take into consideration several factors, such as FSIS staffing needs, past performance of the establishment, the location of the establishment with respect to other federally-inspected establishments, and establishment readiness to transition to the NPIS. FSIS will implement the NPIS in phases by clusters of establishments in close geographic proximity to one another. The initial implementation wave will only include those establishments that notified FSIS of their intent to switch to the NPIS during the initial six-month notification period. FSIS expects that in subsequent years many more establishments will choose to transition to the new system. The Agency's implementation strategy for the NPIS is described in more detail in the preamble to this final rule. Applicability Dates: The regulations that prescribe procedures for controlling visible fecal contamination in 9 CFR 381.65(f), the regulations that prescribe procedures for controlling contamination throughout the slaughter and dressing process in 9 CFR 381.65(g), and the regulations that prescribe recordkeeping requirements in 9 CFR 381.65(h) will be applicable as follows: • In large establishments, defined as all establishments with 500 or more employees, on November 19, 2014; • In small establishments, defined as all establishments with 10 or more employees but fewer than 500, on December 19, 2014; • In very small establishments, defined as all establishments with fewer than 10 employees or annual sales of less than $2.5 million February 17, 2015.

9 CFR Parts 381 and 500

Summary

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the poultry products inspection regulations to establish a new inspection system for young chicken and all turkey slaughter establishments. Young chicken and turkey slaughter establishments that do not choose to operate under the new poultry inspection system may continue to operate under their current inspection system. The Agency is also making several changes to the regulations that will affect all establishments that slaughter poultry other than ratites. This final rule is a result of the Agency's 2011 regulatory review efforts conducted under Executive Order 13563 on Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.

We are amending the regulations to implement an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 added a new section to the AWA to restrict the importation of certain live dogs. Consistent with this amendment, this rule prohibits the importation of dogs, with limited exceptions, from any part of the world into the continental United States or Hawaii for purposes of resale, research, or veterinary treatment, unless the dogs are in good health, have received all necessary vaccinations, and are at least 6 months of age. This action is necessary to implement the amendment to the AWA and will help to ensure the welfare of imported dogs.

This interim rule is effective July 29, 2014. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before September 29, 2014.

9 CFR Part 77

Summary

We are amending the regulations regarding official tuberculosis tests for captive cervids to remove the CervidTB Stat-Pak® as an official bovine tuberculosis test for the following species of captive cervids: Elk, red deer, white-tailed deer, fallow deer, and reindeer. We are also amending the regulations to specify that the Dual Path Platform (DPP)® test, which was previously a supplemental test to be used in conjunction with the CervidTB Stat-Pak®, is now considered a primary test, as well. We are taking this action because the CervidTB Stat-Pak® is no longer being produced, and because we have determined that the DPP® test can reliably be used as a primary test for bovine tuberculosis in certain species of captive cervids. This action is necessary on an immediate basis so that the regulations do not continue to authorize usage of a discontinued test, yet still provide regulated entities with options in order to meet the testing requirements for captive cervids within the regulations.

79 FR 43974 - Restrictions on the Importation of Fresh Pork and Pork Products From a Region in Mexico

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before September 29, 2014.

9 CFR Part 94

Summary

We are proposing to amend the regulations governing the importation of animals and animal products to define a low-risk classical swine fever region in Mexico from which we would allow the importation of fresh pork and pork products under certain conditions. Under this proposed rule, such pork and pork products would have to be derived from swine raised on farms meeting stringent sanitary and biosecurity requirements. We would also provide safeguards against commingling of the swine and the pork and pork products with animals and products that do not meet our proposed requirements. Establishments that slaughter the swine from which the pork or pork products are derived would have to allow periodic inspection and evaluation of their facilities, records, and operations by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This proposed rule would relieve some restrictions on the importation of pork and pork products from Mexico while continuing to protect against the introduction of classical swine fever into the United States.

2014-07-22; vol. 79 # 140 - Tuesday, July 22, 2014

79 FR 42464 - Records To Be Kept by Official Establishments and Retail Stores That Grind Raw Beef Products

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend its recordkeeping regulations to specify that all official establishments and retail stores that grind raw beef products for sale in commerce must keep records that disclose the identity and contact information of the supplier of all source materials that they use in the preparation of each lot of raw ground beef. They must also record the names of those supplied source materials, including any beef components and any carryover from one production lot to the next. The records would also be required to document lot numbers, the amount of the beef component used in each lot (in pounds), the date and time each lot of raw ground beef product was produced, and the date and time when grinding equipment and other related food-contact surfaces were cleaned and sanitized. Official establishments and retail stores would also have to comply with the proposed recordkeeping requirements with respect to raw beef products that are ground at an individual customer's request.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before September 15, 2014.

9 CFR Part 93

Summary

We are proposing to recognize the State of Sonora as a region in Mexico that is free of fever ticks. We would also establish an exemption from acaricide dipping treatment requirements, and the documentation requirements associated with such dipping, that are currently applicable to cattle and other ruminants originating from Sonora as a condition of eligibility for entry to the United States, provided that certain conditions are met. This proposed action would remove restrictions on the importation of cattle and other ruminants from Sonora that we believe are no longer necessary and reduce the costs associated with tick dipping for exporters and importers of ruminants.

We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we will require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures will be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we are making available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are establishing new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We are also providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes will streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we will require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures will be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we are making available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are establishing new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We are also providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes will streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we will require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures will be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we are making available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are establishing new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We are also providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes will streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We are amending the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we will require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures will be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we are making available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are establishing new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We are also providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes in this final rule were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes will streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

This correction is effective June 30, 2014. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 30, 2014.

9 CFR Part 201

Summary

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration is correcting a direct final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on April 29, 2014 (FR Doc. 2014-9655). The direct final rule required all scales used to weigh livestock, livestock carcasses, live poultry, or feed meet requirements contained in section 5.59, Electronic Livestock, Meat, and Poultry Evaluation Systems and/or Devices of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Specifications, Tolerances, and other Technical Requirements for Weighing and Measuring Devices (NIST Handbook 44) 2013 edition. The NIST Handbook 44 includes additional requirements for scales used to weigh live animals, livestock and poultry carcasses, which should not have been excluded by this rule. The direct final rule should have incorporated, by reference, all of the General Code, Scales Code, and Weight Code from the 2013 edition of the NIST Handbook 44. Additionally, the direct final rule must reflect the change to the heading of § 201.71, as a result of NIST Handbook 44 requirements for electronic devices and systems and the correct email address for the National Conference for Weights and Measures.

On June 29, 2014, FSIS will discontinue Salmonella sampling set procedures (“HC01”) in ground beef products, except in establishments with results that exceeded the standard for Salmonella in that establishment's most recently completed set ( i.e., in those establishments in Category 3). At the same time, FSIS will begin analyzing for Salmonella all raw beef samples it collects for STEC analysis and will increase the raw ground beef sample portion for Salmonella analysis from 25 grams to 325 grams.

9 CFR Part 310

Summary

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responding to comments on an August 28, 2013, Federal Register document, “Changes to Salmonella Verification Sampling Program: Analysis of Raw Beef for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella” and announcing its plans to begin analyzing for Salmonella all beef product it analyzes for Shiga toxin- producing Escherichia coli (STEC). After reviewing the comments received on the August 2013 document, FSIS is affirming the plans for addressing Salmonella in raw beef products that it announced in that document and will proceed with implementing those plans.

We are amending the “In vitro tests for serial release” regulations by removing a footnote that refers to one method to calculate the relative antigen content of inactivated veterinary biological products and relative potency calculation software available from Veterinary Services' Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB). CVB will no longer provide or update the software and the written method for using the software will no longer be used. This action will update the regulations.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before July 29, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 101 and 113

Summary

We are proposing to amend the veterinary biological product regulations by defining the terms used for reporting the results of tests performed on veterinary biological products. Licensees and permittees of veterinary biological products must conduct these tests and report the results to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service so that the Agency can determine if the products are eligible for release. Defining these terms would clarify the circumstances under which the results of a prescribed test can be reported as satisfactory, unsatisfactory, inconclusive, or a No Test. We are also proposing to remove several obsolete testing standard requirements from part 113. These changes would update our regulations and improve communication between regulators and product licensees and permittees with respect to reporting test results.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before July 29, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 101 and 113

Summary

We are proposing to amend the veterinary biological product regulations by defining the terms used for reporting the results of tests performed on veterinary biological products. Licensees and permittees of veterinary biological products must conduct these tests and report the results to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service so that the Agency can determine if the products are eligible for release. Defining these terms would clarify the circumstances under which the results of a prescribed test can be reported as satisfactory, unsatisfactory, inconclusive, or a No Test. We are also proposing to remove several obsolete testing standard requirements from part 113. These changes would update our regulations and improve communication between regulators and product licensees and permittees with respect to reporting test results.

In a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on October 5, 2012, we amended and republished the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products; reorganized the list of select agents and toxins based on the relative potential of each select agent or toxin to be misused to adversely affect human, plant, or animal health; and amended the regulations in order to add definitions and clarify language concerning security, training, biosafety, biocontainment, and incident response. In that final rule we neglected to precisely align all of our regulatory language with that used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their regulations and, in some cases, did not align our language in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulations concerning plant health and plant products with that concerning animal health and animal products. As APHIS co-administers the select agent regulations with CDC, this document corrects inconsistencies in language between APHIS and CDC regulations. We are also correcting an improper term used in those sections of the regulations associated with identification of a viral strain or subspecies that is excluded from the requirements of the regulations, modifying the terms used when a select toxin is excluded from the regulations, clarifying those parts of the regulations that deal with temporary exemptions granted during periods of agricultural or public health emergencies, and adding language to specify that individuals not approved for access to registered space for activities not related to select agents or toxins (e.g., routine cleaning, maintenance, and repairs) would not have to be continuously escorted by an approved individual so long as those non-approved persons would not be able to gain access to select agents or toxins.

Effective on April 29, 2014, we are adopting as a final rule the interim final rule published at 77 FR 35542-35571 on June 13, 2012. The amendments in this final rule are also effective April 29, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 55 and 81

Summary

We are adopting as a final rule, with two miscellaneous changes, an interim final rule that established a herd certification program to control chronic wasting disease (CWD) in farmed or captive cervids in the United States. The interim final rule specifically requested comment on our policy that our CWD regulations set minimum requirements for the interstate movement of farmed or captive deer, elk, and moose but will not preempt State or local laws or regulations that are more restrictive than our regulations. This document responds to comments we received on that policy. The interim final rule was necessary to help to control the incidence of CWD in farmed or captive cervid herds and prevent its spread.

Effective on April 29, 2014, we are adopting as a final rule the interim final rule published at 77 FR 35542-35571 on June 13, 2012. The amendments in this final rule are also effective April 29, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 55 and 81

Summary

We are adopting as a final rule, with two miscellaneous changes, an interim final rule that established a herd certification program to control chronic wasting disease (CWD) in farmed or captive cervids in the United States. The interim final rule specifically requested comment on our policy that our CWD regulations set minimum requirements for the interstate movement of farmed or captive deer, elk, and moose but will not preempt State or local laws or regulations that are more restrictive than our regulations. This document responds to comments we received on that policy. The interim final rule was necessary to help to control the incidence of CWD in farmed or captive cervid herds and prevent its spread.

This rule is effective June 30, 2014. The incorporation by reference of certain publications in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 30, 2014. Comments are due May 29, 2014. If adverse comments are received, GIPSA will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal Register .

9 CFR Part 201

Summary

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Packers and Stockyards Program (PSP) is incorporating by reference “2013 edition of the NIST Handbook 44” and to require that the scales used by stockyard owner, market agencies, dealers, packers, and live poultry dealers to weigh livestock, livestock carcasses, live poultry, or feed for the purpose of purchase, sales acquisitions, payment, or settlement meet applicable requirements of the 2013 edition of the NIST Handbook 44.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before June 24, 2014.

7 CFR Part 354

Summary

We are proposing to change the hourly rates charged for Sundays, holidays, or other overtime work performed by employees of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for any person, firm, or corporation having ownership, custody, or control of regulated commodities or articles subject to inspection, laboratory testing, certification, or quarantine under the regulations. We are proposing to increase these overtime rates for each of the fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing these services during each year. Establishing the overtime rate changes in advance would allow users of APHIS' services to incorporate the rates into their budget planning. We are also proposing to clarify the regulations to indicate that agricultural inspections performed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may be billed in accordance with DHS overtime regulations for services performed outside of regular business hours, as DHS rates may differ from those charged by APHIS.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before June 24, 2014.

7 CFR Part 354

Summary

We are proposing to change the hourly rates charged for Sundays, holidays, or other overtime work performed by employees of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for any person, firm, or corporation having ownership, custody, or control of regulated commodities or articles subject to inspection, laboratory testing, certification, or quarantine under the regulations. We are proposing to increase these overtime rates for each of the fiscal years 2014 through 2018 to reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing these services during each year. Establishing the overtime rate changes in advance would allow users of APHIS' services to incorporate the rates into their budget planning. We are also proposing to clarify the regulations to indicate that agricultural inspections performed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may be billed in accordance with DHS overtime regulations for services performed outside of regular business hours, as DHS rates may differ from those charged by APHIS.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before June 20, 2014.

9 CFR Part 112

Summary

We are proposing to amend the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act regulations to provide for the use of a simpler labeling format that would better communicate product performance to the user. We intend to replace the current label format, which reflects any of four different levels of effectiveness, with a single, uniform label format. We are also proposing to require biologics licensees to provide a standardized summary, with confidential business information removed, of the efficacy and safety data submitted to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in support of the issuance of a full product license or conditional license. A simpler label format along with publicly available safety and efficacy data will help biologics producers to more clearly communicate product performance to their customers.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend its regulations to change the fees it charges for the accreditation and the maintenance of accreditation of non-Federal laboratories for the FSIS Accredited Lab Program (ALP). Currently, the Agency charges a flat annual fee of $5,000 for each accreditation or maintenance of accreditation. Laboratories that participate in FSIS' ALP can receive accreditation in one to six analyte classes. FSIS is proposing to charge laboratories $5,000 per year for the first analyte class accreditation or maintenance (as it currently does), but to reduce the charges to $2,900 per year for the second, and $2,100 per year for each additional analyte class accreditation or maintenance of accreditation.

2014-03-26; vol. 79 # 58 - Wednesday, March 26, 2014

79 FR 16656 - Eligibility of the Republic of Korea To Export Poultry Products to the United States

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Federal poultry products inspection regulations to add the Republic of Korea (Korea) to the list of countries eligible to export poultry products to the United States. FSIS has reviewed Korea's poultry laws, regulations, and inspection system, as implemented, and has determined that they are equivalent to the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), the regulations implementing this statute, and the U.S. food safety system for poultry. Under this final rule, slaughtered poultry or parts or other products thereof processed in certified Korean establishments will be eligible for export to the United States. All such products will be subject to re-inspection at United States ports of entry by FSIS inspectors.

The comment period for the proposed rule published December 23, 2013 (78 FR 77370) is reopened. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before April 22, 2014.

9 CFR Part 94

Summary

We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would allow, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from a region in Brazil (the States of Bahia, Distrito Federal, Espirito Santo, Goias, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Rondonia, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, and Tocantins). This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.

2014-02-10; vol. 79 # 27 - Monday, February 10, 2014

79 FR 7567 - Importation of Live Birds and Poultry, Poultry Meat, and Poultry Products From a Region in the European Union; Technical Amendment

In a final rule published in the Federal Register on March 29, 2013, and effective on April 15, 2013, we amended the regulations governing the importation of animals and animal products by recognizing 25 Member States of the European Union (EU) as the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)-defined EU Poultry Trade Region. In that rule, we established requirements for the importation of live birds and poultry, and poultry meat and products, from the APHIS-defined EU Poultry Trade Region. In the final rule, it was not our intent to prohibit the importation of birds, poultry, and poultry meat and products from Member States of the APHIS-defined EU Poultry Trade Region that conduct trade in poultry and poultry products with other regions that APHIS recognizes as being free of Newcastle disease and highly pathogenic avian influenza. It was also not our intent that the import requirements for cooked poultry meat and products from the APHIS-defined EU Poultry Trade Region not be equivalent with the requirements we apply to other regions whenever an outbreak of Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza occurs in those regions. This document amends the regulations to reflect our original intentions.

The comment period for the notice published November 26, 2013 (78 FR 70515) is reopened. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before March 12, 2014.

9 CFR Part 3

Summary

We are reopening the comment period for a petition requesting that we amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations to add specific standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of all species of bears held in captivity except polar bears, for which there are already standards. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before March 31, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 56, 145, 146, and 147

Summary

We are proposing to amend the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we would require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures would be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we would make available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are proposing to establish new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We would also provide new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The proposed changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes would streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before March 31, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 56, 145, 146, and 147

Summary

We are proposing to amend the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we would require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures would be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we would make available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are proposing to establish new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We would also provide new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The proposed changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes would streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before March 31, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 56, 145, 146, and 147

Summary

We are proposing to amend the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we would require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures would be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we would make available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are proposing to establish new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We would also provide new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The proposed changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes would streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

We will consider all comments that we receive on or before March 31, 2014.

9 CFR Parts 56, 145, 146, and 147

Summary

We are proposing to amend the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP, the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by removing the descriptions of specific tests and sanitation procedures from the regulations. Instead, we would require tests to be performed and sanitation to be maintained in a manner approved by the Administrator. Approved procedures would be listed in an NPIP Program Standards document, which we would make available on the NPIP Web site. In addition, we are proposing to establish new compartment classifications for defined subpopulations of primary breeding turkeys, primary egg-type chickens, and primary meat-type chickens. We would also provide new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The proposed changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2010 and 2012 National Plan Conferences. These changes would streamline the provisions of the Plan, keep those provisions current with changes in the poultry industry, and provide for the use of new sampling and testing procedures.

2014-01-23; vol. 79 # 15 - Thursday, January 23, 2014

79 FR 3741 - Change in Disease Status of the Patagonia South Region of Argentina With Regard to Rinderpest and Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The proposed rule published on January 5, 2007 (72 FR 475) is withdrawn, effective January 23, 2014.

9 CFR Part 94

Summary

We are withdrawing a proposed rule that would have added that portion of the Patagonia region of Argentina located south of latitude 42° south (Patagonia South) to the list of regions considered free of rinderpest and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The proposed rule would also have added that region to the list of regions that are subject to certain import restrictions on meat and meat products because of their proximity to or trading relationships with rinderpest- or FMD-affected regions. We are taking this action because we have prepared an updated risk analysis relative to Argentina that is being made available in accordance with a newer process for recognizing the animal health status of regions.

In a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on June 7, 2012, and effective on July 9, 2012, we amended the horse protection regulations to require horse industry organizations or associations that license Designated Qualified Persons to assess and enforce minimum penalties for violations of the Horse Protection Act. One of the minimum penalties was for violations related to shoeing the horse, but we neglected to include a citation to one of the shoeing violations for which the penalty should be assessed. This document corrects that error.